After receiving information from MRT-3 personnel regarding rampant pickpocket incidents and other crimes like sexual harassment, Senator Raffy Tulfo made an appeal to the Philippine National Police (PNP) thru National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to detail uniformed police personnel in all MRT stations.
In Tulfo’s letter to PNP and NCRPO, the legislator said that part of police’s primary duties must include boarding the train to allow them to easily respond to crimes and emergencies needing police assistance.
“Part of police’s primary duties must include boarding the train to allow them to easily respond to crimes and emergencies needing police assistance.”
The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services Chairperson likewise stressed that “these police officers must be well-trained in spotting and dealing with pickpockets and all forms of petty crimes to ensure protection of the riding public”.
For special training, the lawmaker suggested that the PNP could utilize the knowledge of former criminals that they have arrested to better know how these people act prior, during, and after their criminal deed.
“Show in MRT stations photos of people apprehended and suspected of these crimes for transparency.”
Lastly, the senator proposed in his letter to show in MRT stations photos of people apprehended and suspected of these crimes for transparency.
And to ensure compliance, he will call for a hearing after the Senate recess in July where all agencies and personnel involved will be invited as resource persons.
